Question about the people NOT coming to your wedding

How many people who declined sent you a gift from your registry or a check in the mail?

My FH's friend who lives out of state can't come because his wife is due right around the same time. But he insisted on knowing the registry information to send us something.

I thought that was really nice of him, and completely unnecessary! I wouldn't expect that from anyone.

Then we got home and there was an envelope addressed to us. It was a close family friend (I am named after her) who lives out of state also. I had gotten her response last week that she couldn't make it and a nice note about how she's sorry she can't be there.

Inside the card was a check for $100.00!

I was floored. I haven't seen her in years and really would have liked her to be there instead. She's the kind of woman you are proud to be friends with, much less be named for.

I sent her an email falling all over myself, thanking her. I'm also sending her a formal thank you card tonight when I get home.

I just was wondering if this is normal etiquette? Expected, in some cases? Or is it just extreme generosity on their part?